'Unsafe' structure in Mayo town causes closure of footpath
A local councillor has said pedestrians are being put in danger because of Mayo County Council’s "inactivity" in dealing with a derelict house in Crossmolina.
Cllr Michael Loftus raised the matter at the December meeting of Ballina Municipal District when he called for the removal of the property, formerly known as Boland’s, at Ballina Street, Crossmolina. He said the removal of the property would also give the council the potential to develop new houses at the location.
“This property is creating a dangerous situation for people walking on the roads. I’ve been onto Mayo County Council to do a CPO [Compulsory Purchase Order] because there is no owner and it could potentially be a spot for six to ten new houses,” he said.
“Here is an opportunity to create a better street front and get rid of a serious, serious problem. Something needs to be done and this is the perfect spot for a CPO.”
Area engineer Orla Bourke said the property has been deemed a "dangerous structure" due to the condition of its roof and is being dealt with under different legislation to that used for properties on the derelict sites register. It has been cordoned off and the nearby footpath closed to pedestrians. Ms Bourke added that the lack of an owner actually complicates the process instead of easing it.
Cllr Loftus said the property has only had to be deemed dangerous because of the council’s lack of action.
“It was put on the derelict sites register years ago but nothing was done,” he said. “It became dangerous because nothing was done about it.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
